ABC Solar, a solar energy company based in California, has released a statement regarding the impact of NEM 3.0 on the solar industry in California. The company's founder and CEO, Bradley Bartz, has stated that while there is still some uncertainty around the effects of NEM 3.0, they believe the company will be able to survive the changes.
"The first piece of mentor advice I got for ABC Solar 22 years ago was that the government will turn on and off the incentive programs to get rid of 'you'," says Bartz. "Over the 22 years I have seen twice before that the incentive programs were turned off to get rid of bad players. And it is the advice from that mentor that made me build ABC Solar to survive such market forces."
California currently requires solar on all new construction, and ABC Solar reports that half of their 2022 business was with battery systems. This, along with the company's expertise in off-the-grid systems and continued rollout of grid-tie advanced storage systems, helps to protect the company from the effects of NEM 3.0.
"Solar technology is beating the regulators and the monopolies. It will continue to do so," says Bartz. "ABC Solar plans on opening more locations in California and across the US. We think San Luis Obispo is a good next location as we march North."
In addition to the effects of NEM 3.0, the company also highlighted the importance of SB 379, a new law that will take effect September 2023, which requires "Real Time" permitting for solar and battery systems up to 38kW in size. This law is expected to remove a major expense and source of frustration for solar companies.
Overall, ABC Solar remains optimistic about the future of solar in California and plans to continue expanding their business both within the state and across the country.
